Livestock Predation by Puma (Puma concolor) in the Highlands of a Southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

摘要: We evaluated local opinion about reducing livestock losses to puma (Puma concolor) and the potential for conflict among breeders inside a protected area in highlands of southeastern Brazilian Atlantic forest. also quantified number type losses, determined if predation by was correlated with property profile landscape characteristics. conducted semistructured interviews 42 sampled 36 rural properties. When asked how reduce predation, 33 % refused answer, 26 suggested improving husbandry practices, 19 stated that there no appropriate action, 17 favored removing “problem” individual, 5 killing puma. Opinion on solve independent herd size history respondent age class. Older respondents tended suggest or pumas. Attitudes toward represented high who demonstrated discordance responses. Horses were most common prey (51 %), followed cattle (28 sheep (17 goats (4 %); totaling 47 animals attacked between 2004 2007. Annual approximately 12 ± animals, equivalent 0.4 total livestock. Property elevation distance from urban center main predictors probability. This survey used novel approach has not been addressed directly other studies should be considered before implementing management actions.